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traditional Chinese anscestor portrait
traditional Chinese anscestor portrait

traditional Chinese anscestor portrait

Datelate18/early 19
Mediumpaint on silk mounted on hardboard panel
Dimensions152.4 x 106.68 x 0 cm
ClassificationsPainting
Credit LineGift of Mrs. Flora Shefrin, 1998
Object number1998-037
DescriptionThis painting is a Qing Dynasty (1644–1911) traditional ancestor portrait completed in Ming-style. The white-bearded man is depicted in a full frontal asymmetric perspective. His face is painted using a chiaroscuro modeling technique introduced into portraiture during this dynasty. Sat against a standard plain background, the man sits on a chair. The chair is lined with an elaborate tiger skin that he sits on, symbolising his wealth and power. He is wearing formal attire for officials and nobles. His red robe (yuanlingshan), black headwear (futou), and a formal belt situate this man as a court official. The red robe has a large rank badge (bŭzǐ) on his chest. The mythical beast, a xiezhi, depicted on his rank badge indicates his position as an imperial censor. His teal, yellow, and white shoes protrude from the bottom hemline of his robe. Beneath the base of the chair, there is a burgundy and gold rug.
Collections
  • University of Toronto Collection
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